Genealogy Chat

Thanks for the offer Ann, I know it's not far from where I live but I do find it difficult to find the time to go. Luckily I only live 1/2 mile from Stoke Archives so have been able to do most of my research there so far - most of my maternal side managed to stay in Stoke on Trent! Sam x

I recently discovered that my Great-grandad died in a mental hospital. My dad had no idea why he was in there and didn't even know he he had been in one. The death cert just recorded 'has diabetes' as the cause of death. I discovered that Staffordshire Records Office hold that particular Hospitals records so I emailed them. They explained that such records would usually be subject to 100 years closure but would write to the relevant Health Authority and would let me know if I got permission to view the records. I got the answer today, yes I can see them and if I send them a cheque for £3.12, they will photocopy the pages and post them to me. Yippee, i can't wait! I was expecting to have to travel to Stafford at the very least (only about 20 miles away but getting the time to go is a problem, I have 2 jobs and work 7 days a week). The Records Office have been very very helpful and I can't praise them enough! Sam x

See below: